Sustain This! Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: Let's Talk Style Trends We're Glad We DIDN'T Buy (Spring 2025 Trends & More!)
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Hosts: Alyssa Beltempo, Signe Hansen, and Christina Mychas

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Sustain This!, hosts Alyssa Beltempo, Christina Mychas, and Signe Hansen delve into the realm of spring 2025 fashion trends. They explore which trends they resisted adding to their wardrobes, the reasons behind these decisions, and discuss alternative styling methods to achieve similar looks without compromising their commitment to sustainable and intentional fashion.

Managing the Wish List with Trends

The conversation kicks off with the trio reflecting on their previous discussions about wish lists and spring trends. They emphasize the importance of discerning which trends align with their personal styles and sustainable values.

Christina:
"Let's talk about how we manage our wish list with trends and the trends that we are glad we didn't buy."
[00:43]

Trends They Bypassed

1. Deck Shoes/Yacht Wear

Christina expresses relief over not purchasing deck shoes, citing their overly nautical and preppy vibe, which doesn't resonate with her personal style.

Christina:
"I feel like that's a shoe I'm going to be seeing a lot that I'm happy to not be influenced by."
[03:04]

Alyssa adds that while deck shoes are popular in places like Italy, they don't suit her aesthetic either. They discuss alternatives like colorful socks with loafers to achieve a similar playful vibe without the commitment to deck shoes.

Alyssa:
"You can achieve that same effect with a loafer and a colorful sock."
[05:58]

2. Plaid and Houndstooth Blazers

Christina discusses her decision to declutter a houndstooth plaid blazer, highlighting its overcomplicated pattern and how it doesn't fit her style despite its high quality.

Christina:
"It's too pale and too busy with the houndstooth and plaid patterns combined."
[09:30]

Alyssa concurs, noting that the intricate patterns make the blazer visually overwhelming.

Alyssa:
"There's too much happening in this blazer, making it hard to appreciate."
[10:02]

3. Denim Maxis and White Peasant Skirts

Christina explains her reluctance to embrace denim maxi skirts, associating them with her school days and feeling uncomfortable with the voluminous fabric.

Christina:
"It just takes me back to grade eight, and the fabric feels too much for me."
[12:36]

Similarly, she avoids white peasant skirts despite their popularity, finding skirts generally unappealing.

Christina:
"I can't do skirts. The white peasant skirts just aren't for me."
[15:36]

Alyssa suggests that while these items are trending, alternative pieces like a cotton poplin skirt might offer a similar aesthetic without the need to follow the exact trend.

Alyssa:
"Style it for spring with something short, like a cute skirt or a midi denim skirt."
[15:46]

4. Mesh Flats and Barn Jackets

Alyssa shares her decision to skip mesh flats, preferring regular ballet flats. Christina echoes this sentiment, mentioning her switch to a woven leather tote for durability and style.

Alyssa:
"I didn't buy into mesh flats and opted for more traditional footwear."
[30:12]

Barn jackets are also dismissed by Christina as not fitting her silhouette preferences, despite their popularity in fall fashion.

Christina:
"It's a silhouette I like seeing on others, but it's just not my vibe."
[22:52]

Trends They Purchased but Regret

1. Metallic Vintage Halter Dress

Alyssa recounts her purchase of a metallic vintage halter dress inspired by Halston. Despite its trendy appearance, she found the fit and silhouette unflattering, leading to regret.

Alyssa:
"I tried it on and the silhouette was off. It was a disappointment."
[20:06]

2. Gunmetal Cowboy Boots

Another regretful purchase was a pair of gunmetal cowboy boots bought secondhand. Although she admired their structure and heel, Alyssa rarely wore them, ultimately passing them on through a community swap.

Alyssa:
"I almost never wore them, so I had to let them go."
[21:35]

Alternative Styling Ideas

To maintain a fashionable edge without succumbing to fleeting trends, the hosts suggest alternative styling approaches:

• Loafers with Colorful Socks: Alyssa recommends pairing loafers with vibrant socks to introduce interest without adopting deck shoes.

  Alyssa:
  "You can achieve that same effect with a loafer and a colorful sock."
  [06:08]

• Layering for Barn Jackets: Christina considers experimenting with layering a sheer dress over shorts and wide-leg Bermudas to modernize the barn jacket trend.

  Christina:
  "I would try it for a styling video, but I don't see myself wearing it daily."
  [23:58]

• Shearling Bomber Jacket as an Alternative: Though Alyssa notes interest in shearling bombers, she ultimately hesitates, reflecting on maintaining a cohesive style.

  Alyssa:
  "I'm looking at a shearling bomber, but I don't think it's necessary."
  [18:08]

Personal Insights and Reflections

The hosts emphasize the importance of personal style over blindly following trends. They acknowledge that while some trends may seem appealing initially, true satisfaction comes from wearing what genuinely resonates with them.

Christina:
"Sometimes a trend may grow on you, but for the most part, I stick to what feels right."
[03:57]

Alyssa highlights the value of making thoughtful clothing choices and decluttering items that no longer serve their purpose or align with their style.

Alyssa:
"It's good to reflect on our choices and learn from them to cultivate a more intentional wardrobe."
[36:13]

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Alyssa, Christina, and Signe encourage listeners to evaluate their own wish lists critically, embracing trends that enhance their personal style while gracefully letting go of those that don't. They invite their audience to engage by sharing their thoughts on current trends and how they navigate their fashion choices.

Alyssa:
"Let us know what is on your wish list or what trends you are excited about or not so much in the comments below."
[36:24]

The episode underscores the podcast's commitment to promoting mindful consumption and building an intentional wardrobe, reaffirming that sustainable fashion is not just about the clothes we wear but the choices we make.

Notable Quotes

• Christina on Short Spring Seasons:
  "Spring lasts for like five minutes, and then it goes straight into the humidity and heat."
  [01:17]

• Alyssa on Shoulder Seasons:
  "I call them shoulder seasons. Does no one else."
  [02:02]

• Christina on Decluttering:
  "It's time. I never reach for it. I never do."
  [08:18]

• Alyssa on Mesh Flats:
  "I didn't buy into mesh flats and opted for more traditional footwear."
  [30:12]

• Christina on Tank Tops as a Trend:
  "Are you serious? How is a tank top a trend?"
  [26:16]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Sustain This! offers valuable insights into navigating fashion trends with a sustainable and personal touch. By sharing their experiences and preferences, Alyssa, Christina, and Signe inspire listeners to make conscious fashion choices that reflect their true selves.

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